Trump is already defending a ‘gift’ of a Boeing 747 8 jumbo jet as a gift from the ruling family of Qatar during his trip to the Middle East this coming week, which, after its use as Air Force One, would become the personal property of Trump.
Reportedly, Trump toured the plane, which is so opulently configured it is known as “a flying palace,” while it was parked at the West Palm Beach International Airport in February.
This raises legal and ethical concerns since the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause bars anyone holding government office from “accepting any present, emolument, office or title from any King, Prince, or foreign State,” without congressional consent.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer poked fun at Trump’s “America first” political slogan.
“Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar,” the New York Democrat said in a statement. “It’s not just bribery, it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom.”
Even far-right-er Laura Loomer, one of Trump’s staunchest allies, criticized the move, saying accepting the plane would be a “stain” on the administration.
Naturally, this has nothing to do with Trump’s family business, which wants to build a luxury golf resort in Qatar, or the partnership with Qatari Diar, a real estate company backed by that country’s sovereign wealth fund.